asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the fact that wages due to dockworkers at Wilhelmshaven naval dockyard were seized along with the dockyard funds at the time of the German capitulation in 1945; that, although these wages are recognised as an outstanding claim against the confiscated funds, they have not yet been paid; and whether he will expedite a settlement of this matter.

My right hon. Friend is having an investigation made, and I will write to my hon. Friend as soon as a report is available.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action is being taken to counter Russian propaganda published in Communist papers in Berlin, more particularly the "Tägliche Rundschau."

The point of view of the Western Powers is presented vigorously and continuously by the Press and radio of the Western sectors of Berlin. This is true not only of the newspapers directly controlled by the occupying Powers but of the licensed German Press. A German boycott in the Western sectors, together with the scepticism of the Germans of all sectors about Communist propaganda, are reported to have reduced the sales of "Tägliche Rundschau" from 400,000 to 70,000 or fewer copies a day.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the continual propaganda to the effect that we intend to leave Berlin has an effect on the morale of the people there? Will he see that by every possible means the people there are sustained in their trust in the Western Powers?

The vast majority of Berliners are almost impervious to this kind of propaganda now.

Would it not help if, instead of using the word "unknown," as is now done in Berlin newspapers, the word "Russian" was used when the Western Powers had something to say about the crimes committed by the Russians in their zone?

Can the Under-Secretary say why the Berlin radio station, which is situated in the Western sector can still be used by the Soviet propaganda machine, in view of the blockade which the Russians are operating against the Western Powers?

That is another question, which I will answer if it is put on the Order Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will give an assurance that firm action is being taken against Communist papers in the Ruhr which have been printing articles calculated to cause hostility to the occupying Power.

Yes, Sir. Action has been taken against two Communist newspapers in the Ruhr for violating Control Council Directive No. 40. One of these papers had its licence withdrawn, the other was suspended for a month.

Can my hon. Friend tell us what is the content of Regulation No. 40, against which offences are committed?

Control Council Directive No. 40 lays it down that the German Press

"must refrain from the publication of reproduction of articles which … are aimed at disrupting unity amongst the Allies, or which cause distrust and a hostile attitude on the part of the German people towards any of the Occupying Powers."

Why not suppress the "Daily Worker?"

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will give an assurance that stocks of finished goods produced by factories in Berlin are now moving into consumption as a result of the air lift.

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the presence of some 20,000 private cars at the motor races at München-Gladbach on 19th September; and what steps are being taken to check such misuse of petrol in the British zone of Germany.

The motor race meeting in question was officially sponsored by the Minister President of North Rhine Westphalia to raise funds for devastated areas. Owing to an erroneous statement in the Press that the ban on the Sunday use of cars had been suspended for the occasion, some 10,000 to 12,000 cars attended the meeting. Some 4,500 motorists have been summoned by the German police. Both the Occupation Authorities and the German bizonal administration have for some time been concerned at misuse of petrol and legislation to tighten up the present regulations governing the use of transport is being prepared by the German Economic Council.

Could the Minister say where all this petrol comes from?

It is part of the normal import allowed by J.E.I.A.

Is it not a fact that some of this petrol has actually been imported from this country?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the speech of General Sir Brian Robertson on 27th October, in which he advocated the Allied evacuation of Germany on certain conditions, represents the policy of His Majesty's Government.

No, Sir. In replying to a question put to him on this subject, the Military Governor made it quite clear that he was expressing an opinion on a purely hypothetical question, which would have to be carefully considered.

While paying tribute to the great work which General Robertson has done, may I ask the Minister to make it plain that this statement was, in fact, a gross blunder both because the General should execute policy and not make personal independent interpretations of policy, and, secondly, because any idea of evacuating Germany would be a betrayal of the millions of Europeans who have fought so long to prevent a recurrence of German armed aggression?

No, Sir, I cannot agree with that. This statement, which was made in reply to a question, was couched in the most reserved terms. It was a purely hypothetical question, and General Robertson merely said that this would have to be carefully considered.

Is the Minister aware that most people will not accept his explanation and that General Robertson's reply to that question has caused dismay amongst practically everybody who has read it?

On the other hand, does not my hon. Friend agree that this country and the other Allied countries have repeatedly declared that the occupation of Germany by the forces of the victorious Powers is not intended to be permanent but temporary?

Would my hon. Friend, take into consideration that a great body of opinion in this country feels that the only sensible solution to the present problem would be, under proper safeguards, the complete evacuation of all occupying forces?

Is my hon. Friend aware that, assuming the Allies evacuated Germany, it would leave that country a prey to Communist aggression?

We are not contemplating an Allied evacuation. There is nothing I can add to the statement I have made.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will ascertain when the report of the United Nations Commission of Investigation about the future of the Italian colonies in Africa will be published.

The reports of the Foul Power Commission were made to the Deputies of the Council of Foreign Ministers, and His Majesty's Government are still not entitled to publish them without the agreement of the other three Powers concerned. Copies of these Reports were forwarded, under cover of the Four Powers' notification of their failure to agree on the disposal of the territories in question, to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, with whom the question of their publication now rests. The reports have now been circulated to all delegations at the General Assembly of the United Nations and I am arranging for a copy of each to be placed in the Library of the House.

As the placing of a copy in the Library is not really an adequate substitute for publication in the Press, and as most of the reports have appeared in the Italian Press, would the hon. Gentleman endeavour to get permission for the report to be published in this country?

Yes. Sir. This is a matter for the United Nations, but I will certainly look into it.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will lay before the House the documentary evidence used by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs at the Meeting of the United Nations Committee in Paris on 14th October, showing that great public works have been made possible in the U.S.S.R. only by slave labour.

The sources of the information given are stated in the speech itself, a copy of which I will have placed in the Library.

Would the hon. Gentleman say if it is a fact that these unfortunate people were treated worse than domestic animals?

Not in those terms. Perhaps the hon. Member would refer to the speech.

asked the Minister of Food whether he will import apples from Canada in view of the fact that their 1948 crop is almost a record crop.

Unfortunately, we have to use our very limited supply of dollars for more essential imports—such as Canadian wheat, bacon, cheese and eggs.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that it is likely this year that these apples will go bad in British Columbia; that while food is going bad there people in this country need it; and does he consider that to be good planning?

If the hon. Gentleman can give us any suggestion as to how we might buy this food and how we might provide the dollars for it, we would like to have it.

Has the right hon. Gentleman approached the Canadian Government in this matter?

asked the Minister of Food when he became aware that the retail licence granted by him to Mr. O. Grey to operate a retail food business at 8, Lavender Road, Reading, was never operated by that gentleman.

On 17th June, 1948.

In view of the fact that this licence was granted by the right hon. Gentleman after overruling the local food office in regard to what the right hon. Gentleman himself described to a colleague as a most pathetic case, is it not the right hon. Gentleman's business to know that by the time the licence was granted this gentleman had been able to sell the premises, and that the effect of the grant of the licence was that he was able to charge £200 more?

The effect of the grant of the licence was that Mr. Grey was able to get the value of the savings which he had invested in the shop by selling the value of the licence.

Does that answer mean that the right hon. Gentleman is happy that there should be a traffic in recently-granted licences?

No, Sir, I dislike this whole system of licensing. That is why, to a very large extent, we have been freeing the retail trade from licensing during recent weeks. It is not an offence to sell a business carrying a licence.

asked the Minister of Food the length of time during which a retail food business was operated at 8, Lavender Road, Reading, by Mr. F. V. Lambert while not in possession of a licence permitting him so to do.

Between 27th August, 1947, and 21st June, 1948.

In view of the fact that the right hon. Gentleman's Department has issued instructions that no prosecution is to follow, can he give the House his assurance that similar leniency will be shown to other people who operate a retail business without a licence?

I am informed that my legal advisers were consulted on this matter whether any prosecution should follow and that their view was that it should not.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied, now that he has had an opportunity of looking into all the facts, that the decision he took originally to press the food committee to give the licence to Mr. Grey was a right and proper one?

Mr. Grey's case brought to my notice rules which I considered then and consider now to be harsh. We amended those rules. It is a longstanding practice that when we amend rules we grant a licence in the case in which they are amended.

is it not a fact that the legal advisers to the right hon. Gentleman's Department advised that a prosecution would lie but that the local authorities were informed that the headquarters of his Ministry thought it undesirable?

Oh, no, Sir. I dislike that suggestion very much. I resent that suggestion. The legal authorities of my department considered that a prosecution would not succeed and they recommended that it should not be taken.

asked the Minister of Food what quantity of tinned foods was imported into the United Kingdom from Denmark, Holland and Norway during the last 12 months; and what amount of these imports has been condemned as unfit for human consumption.

In all, 30,705 tons were imported. Of the Ministry imports of 15,744 tons, 2½ tons were condemned. It is not known what proportion of private imports were condemned.

Is it not a fact that when an importer of tinned foodstuffs is lucky enough to obtain an import licence he is restricted by the Food Ministry as to the prices which he can charge, and that because of that fact he is restricted as to his choice?

Well, he is restricted in the amount at which he can sell price-controlled goods that he imports.

asked the Minister of Food if he will give an increase in rationed foodstuffs for Christmas week; and also a double sweet ration as a Christmas treat for children.

asked the Minister of Food if he is in a position to announce what extra rations will be made for Christmas.

I shall be making a statement about Christmas rations in due course.

asked the Minister of Food if he will consider granting increased allocations of edible oils and fats to established fish friers before granting licences to new entrants to the fish frying trade.

No, Sir. I will not agree to any absolute priority for established friers as I consider that the most urgent need for this trade is to re-introduce at least some element of competition into it and so help to reduce prices. However, I am very willing to consider the claims of existing friers also.

Why is the right hon. Gentleman's Ministry encouraging new applicants to enter this business while existing shops are only open for a few hours a week and many of them are operating at a loss?

My information is that a great many of the present operators are operating at far from a loss. We are very desirous indeed to introduce competition into this trade because we believe that it will be thoroughly helpful. Unfortunately, the existing friers do not share our view.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that I have taken cases up with his Department recently in which friers were trying to make a living on 1¼ cwt. of fat per week and have been unable to do it, while rivals have been opening up with allocations of four cwt.? Does he think that that is fair to those who arc unable to make a livelihood on the present basis?

My hon. Friend has a point of real substance, and I shall be saying something on the matter later.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us an assurance that all applications will be considered according to their merits? Are there not many cases in which application was not made before the dead-line, October, 1946, because the persons concerned were away in the war?

On 20th September last we gave an open field to all applications.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply which I have received, I beg to give notice that I intend to raise this matter on the Adjournment at a very early date.

asked the Minister of Food if he is satisfied that the present practice of constant use of the bulldozer, repeated use of the tractor plough and no rotation of crops in the development of the groundnuts scheme in East Africa will not involve the danger that a dust bowl will be produced; and if he will reconsider the matter.

If the Overseas Food Corporation was pursuing such a policy, as for example that of failing to provide a rotation of crops, it would indeed involve the danger of producing a dust bowl in East Africa. But if the hon. Member would read any of the relevant documents, including the original white paper, Cmd. 7030, he would see that a full rotation of crops and other elaborate precautions against soil erosion have been taken from the outset.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if he consulted farmers out in Kenya he would obtain different information? Is he also aware that I happened to be in Kenya when he was there and when he said that he was speaking on behalf of both the Government and the Opposition? I was given my information from the Kenya settlers themselves.

The scheme is not in Kenya, but in Tanganyika. I did satisfy myself of one thing at any rate, which is that the utmost attention is being given to what is undoubtedly the most important question of soil erosion. It is a total misrepresentation to suggest that rotation of crops has not been contemplated from the outset.

asked the Minister of Food whether his attention has been drawn to the difficulties met with by parents in obtaining a full quota of food supplies for their children who hold emergency ration cards while on holiday from boarding schools; and what steps are proposed to remedy this situation.

I have not heard of any difficulty over rationed foods but there are sometimes difficulties over milk and eggs. Local food officers will always help temporary ration card holders who cannot get their share of rationed or allocated foods.

Is the Minister aware that the letter in "The Times" by his director of public relations has cleared up the point to which I referred? Will he see that more publicity is given to it?

I will certainly do so.

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that lemons are being sold in the London suburbs at 4d. each; and, in view of the hardship occasioned to housewives by this increase over the former controlled price, he will consider reimposing maximum price controls.

I do not think that the comparison with the controlled price is altogether relevant, as under control, scarcely any lemons were obtainable at this time of year. When the import season has really begun it will be time to compare prices under the new and old arrangements. I shall of course pay careful attention to this comparison.

While I knew that the Minister's answer was going to be a "lemon," may I ask whether the Minister does not think that an increase of more than 100 per cent. in the price above that of the pre-control price is iniquitous during this period of admitted shortage?

I think that the comparison is vitiated by the fact that we were unable to import lemons in the off season altogether, at the controlled price, and that the real comparison will be when we see what new price establishes itself in the importing season.

asked the Minister of Food when there was last a distribution of lemons in The High Peak; why there has been a shortage of lemons during the summer in this country; and what steps he is taking to increase importations.

The last distribution of lemons in The High Peak district took place in March and April last. During the summer only small supplies are available from non-dollar sources and the result has been a seasonal shortage. As the hon. Member knows, lemons have recently been freed from control, as I consider that lemons, both the demand and supply of which are highly variable, and which, however desirable, are certainly not a staple foodstuff, are a commodity quite unsuited for bulk purchase on a permanent basis.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say why he had such difficulty in obtaining lemons during this summer in view of the fact that there was a very large supply of lemons in Italy and, as far as currency is concerned; he was buying from Italy large quantities of peaches, which could hardly be regarded as important as lemons?

The difficulties are due to currency reasons. We cannot by any means buy unlimited produce from Italy and, in addition, there was a controlled price below which lemons could not be sold in this country. We will now see whether the private trade can do better in this respect.

asked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the fact that a substantial tonage of potatoes throughout the country, which has been lifted recently, was affected by blight, but is at present quite sound for consumption, he is taking steps to enable those who have stocks to dispose of them before they deteriorate.

I will do everything possible to help growers to clear stocks liable to deteriorate as a result of the attack of late blight now infecting some varieties; but I cannot apply the guaranteed market to other than sound ware potatoes.

Is the Minister aware that the problem of potato stocks throughout the country is urgent and vital? Is he aware that, inevitably, owing to the lack of vision of the Ministry of Food, a great deal of food will be wasted and a great many growers will be disheartened? It is urgent. Will he take action, swift and sure about it? Can he hear me?

Yes, Sir, I am able to hear the hon. Gentleman, but the action we shall take is to continue to sell surplus stocks for animal feeding, which we are doing.

asked the Minister of Food why the variety of early potato known as Ninetyfold has been reduced from group I to the lowest group for the 1949 harvest.

In recent seasons the variety Ninetyfold has been found to give less satisfactory results than newer early varieties. The lower price for seed produced from the 1949 crop will be more in keeping with its current demand and value.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this potato has been on the market for 50 years, is an excellent cropper, is particularly resistant to virus and leaf roll diseases, and is particularly popular in areas such as Cheshire, Staffordshire and South Lancashire; and have the Ministry of Food only recently discovered that it is an unsatisfactory potato?

We, in conjunction with the agricultural departments, must follow what appears to be the demand in this respect when fixing our price schedules

asked the Minister of Food whether he will now consider increasing the extraction rate of feeding-stuff offals for animals from flour so as to provide additional feedingstuffs for farmers and make the bread more palatable and usable for the general public; and whether he can give an estimate of the tonnage of bread which is wasted every month owing to the rapid deterioration caused by mildew and lack of preserving qualities.

I should like to reduce the flour extraction rate but our wheat supply position makes this impossible at present. We cannot estimate how much bread is being wasted for any particular reason but we are giving technical advice to bakers on handling flours containing a high proportion of home grown wheat, and the public can help by not buying more bread at any one time than they need.

Does the Minister realise the need for an increased livestock population throughout the country? Would it not be helpful if we were allowed to extract a little more feeding-stuffs for cattle and not use so much un-millable and unsuitable wheat for the millers and makers? Why not do something really commonsense?

It would be useful if we had the foreign exchange to import greater quantities of wheat.

Arising out of the original reply, are we to take it that in that case the Minister is not satisfied with this year's wheat crop as a whole and that it is not adequate?

This year's wheat crop, I am glad to say, was very much larger than last year's.

In view of the fact that I cannot get common sense, I must raise this matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Minister of Food whether in view of the fact that home growers have responded to the call for an increased cultivation of home grown onions for 1948 by producing a record crop much of which will not find a market by 15th November, 1948, when imports are due to come in, he will take steps to delay these imports for a month and so avoid wastage of a valuable food crop and the undermining of the confidence of the agricultural industry.

I am aware that owing to a record but late crop of home grown onions this year, supplies will be heavy during the coming weeks. Steps have, therefore, already been taken to delay the import of onions from the Continent.

Could the Minister say until what date the imports will be delayed?

No, Sir. It is not exactly a question of dates but of the volume of imports over the next few weeks.

asked the Minister of Food how much cheese he is buying from the U.S.A.; and whether he is satisfied that supplies of cheese cannot be obtained from the Dominions or other Empire sources.

We are buying every ton of cheese we can from Commonwealth or other soft currency sources. We shall only buy from the United States of America what additional quantities are necessary to meet our minimum needs.

May I have an answer to the first part of the Question, as to how much cheese the Minister is buying from the U.S.A. at present?

No, Sir, because that is not yet determined.

If this cheese is imported cheddar, will the Minister endeavour to mature it before putting it on the market so that it may be suitable for the human palate and not only for mouse-traps?

We will bear that in mind. I have some sympathy with that suggestion.

In view of the fact that the Minister says we are likely to import cheese from the United States, will he prohibit the exportation of any of our cheese to the United States?

I will consider that.

That would be common sense.

asked the Minister of Food what steps he has taken in connection with the answer given by the Parliamentary Secretary on 12th July regarding the supply of rice from Burma; and whether he has considered in this connection the despatch of goods to Burma and insisting on the agreement referred to on this occasion.

I have nothing further to add to the reply given to the hon. Member by my Parliamentary Secretary on 12th July in connection with the supply of rice from Burma. As regards the export of goods to Burma, I understand that the value of our exports to this market is at present running at about six times the pre-war rate.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the rice situation in Burma has deteriorated so rapidly and the planting programme for next year is so much under that of this year, that the whole question of the rice ration in Malaya and its vital effect on the Communist movement there is involved? Will he take the matter a little more seriously and send out a special Commission to look into the matter?

We regard the supply of rice to South-East Asia as of absolutely primary importance, and that is why we have not distributed a supply of rice in this country, as the hon. Gentleman knows, but we cannot dictate the amount of rice which comes out of Burma. We shall do our utmost to make it the largest possible amount.

Does the Minister realise that the amount of rice in this country is between 25,000 and 50,000 tons and that we are talking of crops of 2 million tons? The Minister's remark is quite irrelevant and out of proportion. Will he kindly put some real thought and drive into getting some rice from Burma into Malaya?

asked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the official statement made by the Parliamentary Secretary on 24th September about the rice situation in Burma, steps have been taken to ensure the maintenance and, if possible, the increase of the rice ration in Malaya during the coming year.

It is estimated that the exportable rice surplus from producer countries for 1949 will be about equal to the exports during 1948. It is unlikely, therefore, that there will be sufficient rice available to warrant an increase in the ration scales. Steps have been taken to purchase rice from Egypt and Italy to augment supplies from South-East Asia.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what figure he has used in his estimates for Burma for the coming year, because upon that figure depends whether or not he can maintain the ration in Malaya?

There is certainly the risk that, owing to the recent disturbances in Burma, rice exports from that country will be lower next year than they were last year. Whether or not that risk will eventuate no one can say but we believe that the gap, if there is a gap, created by the failure of Burmese exports to realise expectations, can on the whole be made up from other sources.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give the estimated figure on which he is working?

What steps are being taken to encourage the growing of rice in West Africa, especially Nigeria, where the crop at present is very small but could be increased?

I should need to have notice of that Question because it is a matter primarily for the Colonial Office.

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware that brussels sprouts sold in Worcestershire wholesale markets at 6d. to 1s. per net of 20 lb. are being retailed in the West Midlands at 5d. and 6d. per lb.; and what steps he is taking to reduce these margins.

I do not myself believe that the margin between wholesale and retail vegetable prices can in general be narrowed by administrative action. My hon. Friend may be interested to notice that in Worcestershire only the best sprouts are today in general making the old maximum controlled price, which under control was paid for all sprouts. Thus the consumer is now getting the second and third quality produce at appreciably less than she used to have to pay—especially if she goes to those greengrocers which have cut their prices and does not always pay the price asked in the first shop she visits.

Is it not clear that this is a case where uncontrolled private enterprise is providing neither an adequate price for the producer nor a reasonable price for the consumer and, in view of this, will my right hon. Friend expedite the introduction of marketing machinery as recommended in the Lucas Report?

I hold no brief for the machinery provided by private enterprise as it exists today for the marketing of vegetables. I think, however, that I could produce other instances where the margin is very much narrower than the particular instance which the hon. Member has given. The fact is that the margin varies widely in different instances.

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. The penultimate word of this Question should be "nursing" and not "expectant."

I am afraid my answer relates to the Question as printed. Expectant mothers already enjoy priority in queues.

Will the right hon. Gentleman extend the same privilege to nursing mothers for some period after the birth of a child, when this consideration is equally important and could be as easily arranged?

The question at issue is whether this can be easily and effectively arranged. The hon. Member must remember that, in any case, these queue priorities have no statutory force. It is very difficult to extend them and to ask shopkeepers to take notice of further categories.

If the hon. Member for Bury (Mr. W. Fletcher) and I were to collaborate in offering the Minister a form which would make it easy for shopkeepers to come to a decision about this question, would the right hon. Gentleman look at it?

I will certainly consider any measures which seem practicable.

Would it not be better for the Minister to take more active steps to eleminate queues?

asked the Minister of Food if he will consider giving an increased bonus issue of sugar early in the New Year to enable housewives to make marmalade.

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware that, by reducing the jam ration, the amount of sugar which can be taken in lieu of jam has also automatically been reduced; and if he will allow extra sugar to those housewives who prefer to make their own jam rather than buy shop jam.

asked the Minister of Food whether he will now increase the sweet ration to 4 oz. per week.

asked the Minister of Food when the sweet ration will be increased; and by what amount.

I shall be making a statement later today on the subject of sugar distribution which will cover the points raised in these Questions.

Why not abolish sugar rationing altogether? It is utterly unsatisfactory.

asked the Minister of Food what procedure is to be adopted for the distribution of nuts for the Christmas seasonal trade.

The nuts available for Christmas will be distributed through the ordinary trade channels.

Does that mean that the Minister will not interfere at all, as he did last year with such great profit to himself.

It certainly means that it will not be necessary to sell off a Ministry surplus, as it was last year, because there is no such surplus to sell off.

asked the Minister of Food in what capacity the 750 members of his staff, who were engaged on the administration of bread rationing, are now employed.

Those who remain are employed on the day to day work of food control. During this year the staffs of the local food offices have, in fact, been reduced, not by 750, but by 1,003.

In view of the vital necessity for increased production, and at competitive prices, why cannot the Minister put more of these unnecessary bureaucrats into productive employment?

Can the Minister tell us whether any of these 750 persons are employed in counteracting the mischief caused by the constant misrepresentations of the hon. Member for Orpington (Sir W. Smithers)?

I think that my hon. Friend over-estimates the influence of the hon. Member opposite.

asked the Minister of Food what was the total membership of the British Food Mission to the U.S.A. on 1st January, 1948, and on 1st July, 1948.

The British Food Mission in the United States of America on 1st January, 1948, consisted of 46 persons. The Mission was absorbed in the British Supply Office in Washington on 1st April, 1948, at which date it consisted of 41 persons.

Surely, the conditions have changed very considerably since 1946, when this Mission was set up, and will the Minister now consider cutting down the number of officials employed in Washington on the purchase of food?

I could hardly consider cutting down this Mission as it has ceased to exist.

asked the Minister of Food why he is permitting the import of cauliflowers when there are adequate supplies of the home-grown product.

The object of permitting the import of cauliflowers is to keep the price down. If it should turn out that home supplies are adequate, the price will stay down, in which ease it will not pay to import them. It must be remembered that, rightly or wrongly, imported cauliflowers have to pay a duty of 3s. a cwt. plus, of course, heavy freight charges.

Will the Minister watch the situation very carefully as at the moment it is developing in the same way as did the onion situation, which has been referred to in an earlier Question?

We shall certainly watch the situation, and part of our watchfulness will be to keep down the price of cauliflowers.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take the earliest opportunity of addressing the Labour Party on his new Liberal economic thinking, because there are a number of glum faces behind him?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that growers are only receiving about twopence for a cauliflower now, whereas a retailer can sell it for tenpence? Will he take some action?

In answer to both those supplementary questions, my economic thinking, which is by no means new to me or anyone else, tells me that economic competition is the sole safeguard while the trade is in private hands.

Why not give a square deal to the Vale of Evesham?

is my right hon. Friend aware that the silence on this side of the House was because of the knowledge that it costs about sixpence in freight and duty to import a cauliflower, without any allowance for the foreign grower or exporter, which is at least a fairly adequate safeguard for the home grower?